Social Inclusion Action Group

The Mansfield Social Inclusion Action Group (SIAG) is a dedicated group made up of community members and leaders working together to deliver initiatives that boost social inclusion and connection.  By promoting diversity, equity, and accessibility, we aim to create spaces and experiences where everyone feels valued, respected, and included.

Mansfield Shire Council was selected by the Victorian State Government to pilot and trial the community-based inclusion programs, with our local SIAG tasked to:

• identify local needs, existing initiatives and gaps related to social connection and social inclusion;
• test, develop and support a range of funded initiatives that prevent social exclusion and support community participation, inclusion, and connection; and
• promote mental health and wellbeing through place-based coordination and activities/initiatives addressing social inclusion and connection.

Invitation for funding request

The Mansfield Social Inclusion Action Group is excited to announce an opportunity to support initiatives focused on creating inclusivity within the community.

We believe that by working together, we can make a significant impact fostering a culture of social inclusion, thereby enriching the experiences of community members from a diverse range of backgrounds. SIAG is wanting to increase social inclusivity in all groups including, young people, single parents, people who are not in education, training or employment, people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities, refugees, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with a disability, LGBTQIA+ communities and older people.

If you are a community group organising new and existing programs, we encourage you to submit your funding request for consideration. Innovative and creative ideas will be highly valued and encouraged.

Funding applications will need to align with the following objectives of the SIAG:

• Prevent social exclusion.
• Increase social inclusion.
• Increase social connection.

What funding is available?

• We are offering up to $60K over 2 rounds of funding.
• Applicants can seek funding of up to $5000 per initiative.
• Applications open on 17 June 2024.

Round 1: Proposals are to be submitted by 31 July 2024.

Round 2: Proposals are to be submitted by 14 August 2024.

If you are unsure if your idea/initiative meets the requirements, the guidelines should provide you with all the information needed. Initiative funding guidelines can be found below.

Post application, community groups will have the opportunity to collaborate with SIAG in a discussion group for the proposal to maximise the impact and reach of the initiative.

Eligible projects may include:

• Existing activities looking to increase inclusivity for all groups including, young people, single parents, people who are not in education, training or employment, people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities, refugees, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with a disability, LGBTQIA+ communities and older people.
• A community BBQ in the Botanic Park.
•  Extending a successful existing event, activity, program for more sessions and / or to other regions within the Shire.
• Activities, events, and programs in outlying communities.
• Improvements to infrastructure to increase all abilities accessibility.
• Creating and distributing promotional materials for activities, events and programs in other languages and formats.
• Monthly social events.

Together, let's work towards building communities where everyone feels valued, respected, and included.

If you have a proposal for your initiative ready, please complete the application form online below or download a copy to print out and complete.

Funding-Application.pdf(PDF, 226KB)

If you have an idea, you want to share with the SIAG please complete the short questionnaire and someone will be in touch with you to discuss it.

Funding-Questionnaire.pdf(PDF, 157KB)

If you require the application to be translated into a different language, please email, siag@mansfield.vic.gov.au or call 03 5775 8529.

Alternatively, you can submit your application the following ways:

• Call in and get a paper copy of the application from Council’s Municipal office (33 Highett St Mansfield), complete the application, and submit back to Council.
• Send an email to siag@mansfield.vic.gov.au with a written, audio recording or video recording of your idea/initiative.
• Call Allison on 0487 033 164 and if unavailable leave a message.
• Post a copy of your application to: Mansfield Shire Council Attn: Allison O’Keefe, Mansfield Social Inclusion Action Group Coordinator Private Bag 1000 MANSFIELD VIC 3724